Couple Found Not Guilty Of Illegal Animal Fighting

A Chester County couple has been found innocent of participating in pitting dogs against hogs in a fight called "hog-dogging."

A jury Thursday found 47-year-old Arthur Parker Senior and 51-year-old Mary Luther innocent on charges of animal fighting, conspiracy, ill treatment of animals, possession of a dangerous animal and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

The jury did convict them on a charge of simple possession of marijuana. Circuit Judge Kenneth Goode fined each of them $100.

Parker and Luther were arrested after State Law Enforcement Division officials raided their Fort Lawn home in December and seized 95 dogs and 15 hogs.

Their lawyer argued they were training animals, not participating in a cruel activity.